Lake Geneva & Rhine Cruise

Meet your Tour Manager this morning and board the Eurostar to
Paris, continuing by rail to Vevey via Geneva. Our hotel here is
the 4-Star Astra Hotel, a welcoming family-run hotel located
opposite the railway station and just a short walk from the
glittering shores of Lake Geneva.

Take the train to Cully, in the nearby Lavaux region, where
terraced vineyards rise from the shores of Lake Geneva. We enjoy a
tour of the vineyards from our seat aboard the charming Lavaux
Express, a local tractor-pulled road train that winds through the
vineyards and surrounding villages. Admire panoramic views of the
lush vines against the contrasting turquoise waters of the lake,
before we arrive back in Cully for a visit to a local winery. We
listen to talk from the owner before a tasting of the excellent
locally-produced wines, accompanied by some tasty nibbles. We take
the train back to Vevey where you're free this evening; you could
settle down outside a bistro for an al fresco meal and indulge in
an iconic Swiss classic such as cheese fondue, raclette or crispy
potato rosti.

Enjoy a free day to discover the crescent-shaped shores of Lake
Geneva. You could take the time to further explore the towns,
villages and cities that dot the landscapes. The sophisticated city
of Geneva lies to the south and charms visitors with a cosmopolitan
blend of Swiss and French culture. Here, you could step back in
time in the historic Old Town, take in the views along the lakeside
promenade, or take a boat ride on the turquoise waters. On the
opposite shore of the lake is Évian-les-Bains, an elegant French
spa town nestled within a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by
springs that produce the world-famous Évian mineral water. Should
you choose to visit here, a treatment in one of the thermal spas
that the town is celebrated for comes highly recommended.

After a relaxed morning, we take the train to Visp before
continuing to Basel. Here, a coach takes us to our 5-Star ship to
begin our unforgettable Rhine cruise. We're treated to a welcome
cocktail and a fantastic 5-course dinner this evening, with beers
and local wines included, before retiring to our cabins for the
night.

Sail into the charming French city of Strasbourg
on Day 5. Strasbourg's position on the
German-French border has seen it change hands between the two
nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg
represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered
houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of
Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice
sees you travel into the famous Black Forest, passing through
stunning fairytale panoramas.

We arrive in Speyer this morning, where there's free time to
explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately-owned
collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer.
Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a
submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of
vehicular delights and is well worth a visit.

Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful
university town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided
tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle that
stands guard over the riverbanks, proudly looking over the town
below.

On Day 7 we sail into the classic
German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine
production, especially of the dry Riesling variety. Perhaps walk
along the river during your free time here this morning, before our
ship departs for Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we
pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful
sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer banks
rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and
miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the
waterway.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with
a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller
dishes from this part of the world. We sail this evening into the
enchanting city of Koblenz; you may wish to visit one of the famous
wine taverns here.

After an evening in Koblenz, we depart and discover the
marvellous Lower Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush
green meadows and postcard villages.

Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area,
and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in
Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn
railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into
the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region
of Germany.

On Day 9, we arrive into Cologne, we
venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We
visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building
which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second
World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares,
labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses. Tonight we
enjoy a gala dinner with the captain.

We arrive in Amsterdam this morning where we have a choice of
two excursions, the first is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the
most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as
it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and
large parks to contemporary art galleries and futuristic
architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone.
The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the
splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through
enchanting Dutch scenery.

On Day 11, we disembark the ship and here
your cruise concludes. Here, you are escorted to the railway
station for your train to London, with your Tour Manager.

Today, meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group at
London St Pancras before travelling on the Eurostar service to
Amsterdam, where you'll be escorted to the ship. This evening, we
enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner this evening.

On Day 2 we have a choice of two
excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of
the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern
as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and
large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic
architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone.
The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the
splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through
splendid Dutch scenery.

This morning, we arrive into Cologne, we venture forth into
this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the
resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived
14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also
wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and
see Romanesque town-houses.

On Day 4 we depart from Cologne
this morning and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of
river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages.
Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and
highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in
Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn
railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into
the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region
of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet
dinner which features Spargelzeit, a kind of white asparagus which
is famous in this area. (Please note, Spargelzeit depends on
seasonal availability).

After free time to explore Koblenz this morning.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we
pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful
sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer river
banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep
forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal
feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable
Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with
a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller
dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the
offerings. Weather permitting we'll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck
as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. 

This evening we sail to the classic German town of
Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production
especially of the dry Riesling variety.

We arrive into Speyer on Day 6, where
you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the
largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the
Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army
vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this
museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth
a visit. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the
delightful academic town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a
guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle,
proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river
and the attractive town houses.

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today.
Sat across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg,
whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands
between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of
this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with
colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of
Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice
sees you travel into the famous Black Forest, passing through
stunning fairytale panoramas.

Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy
a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.

On Day 8, our unforgettable Rhine cruise
comes to an end, as we disembark in Basel after breakfast. From
here, we transfer to the station for the train to Vevey, via Visp.
Our hotel here is the 4-Star Astra Hotel, a welcoming family-run
hotel located opposite the railway station and just a short walk
from the glittering shores of Lake Geneva.

Take the train to Cully, in the nearby Lavaux region, where
terraced vineyards rise from the shores of Lake Geneva. We enjoy a
tour of the vineyards from our seat aboard the charming Lavaux
Express, a local tractor-pulled road train that winds through the
vineyards and surrounding villages. Admire panoramic views of the
lush vines against the contrasting turquoise waters of the lake,
before we arrive back in Cully for a visit to a local winery. We
listen to talk from the owner before a tasting of the excellent
locally-produced wines, accompanied by some tasty nibbles. We take
the train back to Vevey where you're free this evening; you could
settle down outside a bistro for an al fresco meal and indulge in
an iconic Swiss classic such as cheese fondue, raclette or crispy
potato rosti.

Enjoy a free day to discover the crescent-shaped shores of Lake
Geneva. You could take the time to further explore the towns,
villages and cities that dot the landscapes. The sophisticated city
of Geneva lies to the south and charms visitors with a cosmopolitan
blend of Swiss and French culture. Here, you could step back in
time in the historic Old Town, take in the views along the lakeside
promenade, or take a boat ride on the turquoise waters. On the
opposite shore of the lake is Évian-les-Bains, an elegant French
spa town nestled within a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by
the springs that produce the worldfamous Évian mineral water.
Should you choose to visit here, a treatment in one of the thermal
spas that the town is celebrated for comes highly recommended.

Bid farewell to Vevey today as we take the train to Paris via
Geneva. In the French capital, we join the Eurostar back to London
St Pancras.